The physiology of play: potential relevance for higher education

Abstract

This paper explores the physiology of play and its potential for advancing higher education through promoting joy and counteracting performativity, which we argue is a proponent of mental ill-health in the sector. Although play is increasingly recognised as a fundamental part of the human experience and a successful teaching practice, it is only consistently applied within childhood education. We identify 3 key areas of play physiology relevant for higher education: physical and mental resilience; social intelligence; cognitive flexibility and intellect. We conclude that the incorporation of play within higher education by developing ‘Playful Universities’ could counteract the fear of failing, avoidance of risk and other negative aspects of performativity and goal-oriented behaviour. Playful learning, therefore, challenges the continued relevance of focusing on a dehumanising and oppressive neoliberal model of performativity-based learning and sheds light on the potential of a joyous, authentic transition to the co-creation of knowledge within higher education.